ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: something that constitutes an end: such as

a

: conclusion

a movie with a happy ending

b

: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Synonyms

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending.

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

Recent Examples on the Web

One that Anaya is confident will have a happier ending. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

The Greek auteur has worked with better scripts in the past, but in terms of its commanding performances, design, sharply precise cinematography, gleefully cruel humor, and bizarro ending, this madcap thriller can’t help but hit the spot for existing devotees. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025

That chapter ended in January 2020, with Ziva departing for an off-screen reunion with Tony and Tali in Paris − a brief TV family happy ending. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

The legend goes that after a bad test screening, RKO tacked on a happy ending and chopped the film from 131 minutes to 88. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Rhymes for ending

• bending
• blending
• fending
• lending
• mending
• pending
• rending
• sending
• spending
• tending
• trending
• vending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending